September 12, 2023 – Carmel

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Founded October 24, 2006, at Carmel, IN Vol. XVIII, No. 41

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Changing school calendars lead to staffing challenges, shorter swim seasons at The Waterpark

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

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Opinions

The views of the columnists in Current in Carmel are their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions of this newspaper.

RECREATION

Since opening in 2007, staffing challenges and changing school calendars have forced The Waterpark to shorten its season, first by remaining open only on weekends after school began and later closing down the day before school started.

A swim season that initially stretched beyond three months is now four weeks shorter, leaving Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation officials and board members with questions about the long-term future of the Central Park facility.

“There’s always the hope that (the beginning of the school year) doesn’t encroach even further. We’re ultimately going to have to look at the long term as we really have to focus on the pools for capital repairs and replacements,” CCPR Director Michael Klitzing said. “One of the long-term discussions the park board and community leaders are going to have is (about) what is the best type of asset and use of that land. If it becomes that (The Waterpark is open) a month and a half because of the school schedule, then it becomes a completely different conversation.”

CCPR runs into staffing shortages at The Waterpark when school begins because most of its lifeguards are high school students. This year, 63 percent of lifeguards were age 17 or younger. Many attend Carmel High School, which began the school year Aug. 7 (three days earlier than 2022), and others attend nearby districts that returned to the classroom even earlier.

Klitzing said it has become progressively more difficult to find part-time seasonal workers willing to extend their employment beyond the start of the school year.

“We basically have gotten to the point where we just don’t have a labor force to not only be open during the weekdays, which was a longstanding practice for us, but it was getting so that we were so short-staffed we really couldn’t meet the minimum requirements for staffing, even on the weekends,” he said. “We want to provide a great experience for everyone, but we also want to provide the safest experience. If you don’t have enough lifeguards, you can’t provide that safe experience.”

The staffing challenge is not unique to Carmel, according to Rick Root, president of

the Worldwide Waterpark Association.

“For many years, school districts around the country have been moving their start dates earlier in the summer — in many cases, as early as the first week of August,” Root said. “In areas where schools have moved away from the traditional summer break of Memorial Day to Labor Day, waterparks and many other seasonal businesses have had to shorten their operating schedule due to a lack of guests and staff when schools are in session.”

Klitzing said that Indiana school districts tend to have among the shortest summer breaks in the nation. He said parks department leaders across the state are rethinking recreational offerings during the hottest months.

“A lot of communities are debating, especially in Indiana, do we invest in new pools or do we create more splash pads where you don’t have to have the staff to be able to support them,” Klitzing said. “It’s an unfortunate tradeoff, because the swimming experience is so important, and it is not the same as going to a splash pad that doesn’t have standing water. But that’s the compromise that a lot of communities are making.”

As some of the original infrastructure at The Waterpark nears the end of its usefulness, Klitzing said CCPR is considering

whether it can repair or replace certain features in a way that requires less staff.

“The fewer staff we need, the easier it is to find the staff necessary to operate it,” he said.

Carmel Clay Schools did not respond to a request for comment as of press time.

ESE AFFECTED, TOO

When Carmel Clay Schools adjusted its daily schedule in 2020 to begin the elementary school day before high school classes began, it created a staffing challenge for the Extended School Enrichment after-school program run by Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation at all CCS elementary schools.

Previously, the program employed high school students who would head to an elementary campus after school.

Now, many of the children in the ESE program are already gone for the day by the time high school students could arrive, CCPR Director Michael Klitzing said.

CCS is working with CCPR to create an internship program for high school students to leave during the school day to work at ESE and receive credits and experience.

The Waterpark in Carmel closed for the season Aug. 6. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

Alabama murder suspect arrested

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

The Carmel Police Dept. on Aug. 30 arrested a man who allegedly fled to Indiana after committing murder and robbery in Huntsville, Ala., two days earlier.

CPD

According to Huntsville police, Damon Andrew Blinks, 28, is accused of fatally shooting Devin Tyler McDonald, 23, in a parking lot. Blinks then allegedly fled to Indiana, where he resides, in McDonald’s Nissan Altima.

Carmel police attempted to pull over the stolen vehicle, which led to a pursuit. When police eventually arrested Blinks, they found a handgun in his pocket, according to a probable cause affidavit. Blinks is not permitted to carry a handgun because of a previous felony conviction in 2014 for a carjacking in Marion County.

Huntsville police traveled to Hamilton County to speak with Blinks Aug. 31 and formally charge him with capital murder. He remained in the Hamilton County Jail as of Sept. 7. He is expected to be extradited to the Madison County Jail in Alabama.

Blinks has been charged in Hamilton County with theft, unlawful carrying of a handgun and two counts of resisting law enforcement.

DISPATCHES

Correction — In the Sept. 5 edition of the Consume special session, the church hosting Pumpkinfest and Oktoberfest on Oct. 7 in Zionsville is St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church.

Submit questions for debate — Current in Carmel and the Palladium are presenting a mayoral debate between Republican candidate Sue Finkam and Democratic candidate Miles Nelson at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Palladium, 1 Carter Green. Members of the community are invited to submit questions or topics to be considered for the debate by emailing Ann Marie Shambaugh, Current in Carmel managing editor and debate moderator, at AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com.

Blinks

Go behind the build with us! Learn what makes Old Town Design Group and our team of experts different by touring a home under construction. Join us at Carmel’s newest gated community, Asherwood, on Saturday Sept. 16, from 2PM-4PM and meet with President, Matt Huffman!

Mayor honored for decades of leadership with reception, song

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

a melody.

CITY NEWS

Other than what to wear and when to show up, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard said he knew almost nothing else ahead of time about a reception planned by the City of Carmel to celebrate his nearly 30 years of leadership.

At the event, held Aug. 17 at Ritz Charles, hundreds of guests stopped by to mingle and share thoughts and memories with Brainard. Attendees ranged from members of the team that helped him transition into elected office in 1996 to current city employees and partners.

“It brought back a lot of memories for me,” Brainard said Aug. 18. “What’s happened in Carmel hasn’t happened because of me or my administration. It’s happened because lots and lots of people decided they wanted to build a special place.”

A few guests spoke during a short presentation, which included the mayor receiving a unique gift created by Bloomington musician and composer Monika Herzig.

Nancy Heck, Carmel’s director of commu-

nity relations and economic development, asked Herzig to compose a jazz song for Brainard after learning Herzig can use spe-

cial dates to write a melody. Herzig assigns ascending numbers to notes in a scale and uses the numbers in the dates to pick out

For Brainard, she used his birthdate, June 8, 1954, and his first day in office, Jan. 1, 1996, for the foundation of the song and improvised the rest of it. At the reception, she debuted the recording that played with a video highlighting Carmel.

“It became this piece where we had four horns with it,” Herzig said. “So, (it was) quite elaborate.”

Brainard, a jazz fan, said he was surprised by the composition, which he called “really fun to hear.” He received sheet music for the piece at the reception and said he looks forward to attempting to play it himself.

The mayor, who is not running for reelection and will leave office at the end of the year, said he wanted to thank anyone who has helped make Carmel “one of the nicest places anywhere in the United States,” whether they were at the reception or not.

“Having the opportunity to lead that effort has been the honor of a lifetime,” he said. “I hope our children and grandchildren look back and appreciate what this group of people have done.”

Musician Monika Herzig, right, presents sheet music to Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard for a personalized jazz song she composed for him. (Photo by Beth Maier)

WELCOME SOME OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL ARTISTS!

Anna Afshar

Abbie Ansburg

Valerie Bielski

Kwang Cha Brown

Amy Carroll

Rhonda Cearlock

Dick Close

Jane Drascic

Zhen Zhong Duan

Wendy Franklin

Shannon Godby

Randall Harden

Scott Hartley

Maile Lani Holloway

Sharon Jiskra Brooks

Mary Johnston

Jerry Mannell

Leo Hong Mao

Charlene Marsh

Stephanie McDairmant

Heather Miles

Nancy Neville

Said Oladejo-Lawal

Sug. O'Shen

Emma Overman

Susan Roberts

Andrea Rudisill

Barbara Rush

Randy Sorrell

Taylor Walker

David Abrahamson

Marian Baker

Carrie Baxter

Kellie Brace

Aaron Coleman

Amy Ferguson

Joel Fremion

Lee Galusha

Ila Catherine Hofacker

Adam Hoffman

Victor and Megan Huston-Field

Ruth Jellema

Kathleen Lapso

Ynon Mabat

Kandy Myny

Bruce eville

Marie Rust

Ezra Siegel

Tyler Voorhees

Lou Zale

Paul Albritton

Penny Atkinson-Potter

Martha Banting

Ray and Amy Bridewell

Christine Bush

Claudia Carreon

Jessica Daman

JD Davison

Mark Grosser

Melissa Hampton

Joseph Lee

Zenia Lis

Dawn Middleton

Phyllis & Jerry Minnery

Steve Mitchell

Robert Nilsson

Donald Pekarek

Roger & Renae Poer

Michael Vagner

COMMUNITY

QA: Northwest District candidates

Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Two political newcomers are vying for the Northwest District seat on the Carmel City Council.

residents. We care about each other. We care about the place we have chosen to live our lives, and we want this community that has meant so much to us and our families to continue to be an exceptional place.

ELECTION

Democrat Melanie Brown, a consultant for a medical technology company, is running against Republican Ryan Locke, an attorney who has worked for the state treasurer’s office and Indiana State Police.

What are your top three issues?

Brown:

• Fiscal and developmental transparency between residents and city officials is crucial. I will involve residents in decision making regarding Carmel’s future.

• Pumping the brakes on development of more mixed-use facilities to take time to study the effects on schools, infrastructure, traffic and environment. Transition from rapid development to more greenspace.

• Keeping Carmel a sustainable city and pushing for more climate friendly measures.

Locke:

• Sustainability: Promote forward-looking operational and fiscal responsibility to ensure Carmel stays the world class place it is.

• Invest in the community: Strategically fund public safety, infrastructure, services and amenities.

• Placemaking: Foster a community and economic ecosystem where people and businesses want to come and stay.

What are Carmel’s greatest strengths?

Where do you see areas of improvement?

Brown: Carmel is an amazing city to live in due to the high-performing schools, a stellar parks department (including the Monon trail), availability of high-quality arts and entertainment, and great amenities with a low tax rate. Most importantly, our neighbors and sense of community are our greatest assets. The city can improve in both transparency and listening to the community voice regarding development decisions. We also need to ensure our leadership represents the changing population.

Locke: Carmel’s greatest strength is its

How would you describe Carmel’s financial health?

Brown: The city’s financial health is strong. We stay within an operating budget that aligns with our tax revenue. We should make it a priority to pay down debt and remain diligent about smart spending and investing in value not growth for growth’s sake.

Locke: Carmel’s financial health is strong. Over the past few decades, we have strategically invested in the city to meet current and future needs while continuing to set reasonable budgets and pay down our debts. It’s imperative that we continue sound fiscal discipline.

What should be the city’s role in supporting its senior citizens?

Brown: Carmel needs to consider accessibility, activity options and ensure affordable housing for downsizing for seniors. We need to offer programs geared toward seniors at our existing facilities like the Carmel Clay Public Library, Monon Community Center, affordable shows at the Palladium and supporting PrimeLife Enrichment, including the adoption of intergenerational programming.

Locke: Our seniors made this city what it is today when they chose to live here. Providing and attracting amenities, services, and businesses that cater to them must be a constant endeavor. We also need to strategically develop housing options for them so they can continue to live in Carmel.

How do you determine if you would support a proposed development?

Brown: The most important factor should be the community voice. Residents living close to proposed development are directly impacted and they have the best insight into their neighborhood. Other factors to review are the financial impact, value added to the community, environmental impacts and keeping Carmel’s charm.

Locke: Objective financial review with a focus on the current and future impact a project will have on the community. Development should be targeted on areas that are not generating economic value effectively without negatively impacting homes. I will always seek community input.

How can voters learn more about you?

Brown: BrownForCarmel.com

Locke: LockeForCarmel.com

Brown Locke

HSE, CCS superintendents explain need for referendums

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Superintendents of two local school districts asking voters to renew operating referendums in November presented their case Aug. 16 to members of the business community.

EDUCATION

Yvonne Stokes, superintendent of Hamilton Southeastern Schools, and Michael Beresford, superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools, presented updates on their respective districts at OneZone’s State of the Schools luncheon at Ritz Charles in Carmel.

HSE voters approved a referendum rate of 22.75 cents per $100 of assessed property value in 2016; the proposed renewal rate is lowered to 19.95 cents.

“We strive in everything we do to be above average,” Stokes said. “So, we believe our funding source should also support that above-average expectation.”

Stokes said the 2016 referendum helped HSE reduce its class sizes by hiring more teachers and staff, add counseling opportunities, eliminate program participation fees and increase the supply budget. Renewing the operating referendum will allow those efforts — and others — to continue, she said.

CCS is asking voters to renew its operating referendum rate of 19 cents per $100 of assessed property value. Voters initially

approved the rate in 2017. Without the renewal, Beresford said the district would lose nearly 20 percent of its education fund, which is primarily used to pay teachers and provide benefits.

Besides asking voters to renew the referendum, Beresford said community members can make a difference by countering inaccurate information and narratives and work to “elevate the teaching profession.”

“There’s a lot of bad narratives out there,” he said. “We need people to stand up and say, ‘Wait, I had great teachers. My kids had great teachers. Teachers are awesome. Don’t talk smack about my teachers.’’’

DISPATCHES

Suicide prevention presentation — Josh

Rivedal will speak on “Helping Youth in Crisis-Suicide Prevention 2.0” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville. After losing his grandfather and father to suicide, he overcame suicide ideation during adolescence and after college. He will share how he got help and how he lives mentally well today. The session will end with a Q&A between Rivedal and the audience and a review of resources. Registration is not required.

Roundabout Ride — The City of Carmel and Bike Carmel will host the annual Roundabout Ride on at 8 a.m. Sept. 16. Distance options are 25 miles and 50 miles; the costs are $45 for the 25-mile option and $65 for the 50-mile option, with $5 of each registration being donated to the Rollfast Foundation for suicide prevention. The Roundabout

Ride will begin and end in Midtown Plaza where a post-ride meal will be provided with music and a complimentary beer from Sun King Brewing Company. Register at bikereg.com/bike-carmel-roundabout-ride.

Newcomers Club meeting — The Newcomers Club of Carmel will hold its first meeting of the fall at 11 a.m. Sept. 17 with a luncheon at the Bridgewater Club, 3535 E. 161st St. in Westfield. The nonprofit social club connects its members with friends, engages in a variety of activities and explores the community. Membership represents Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville and Indianapolis. For more, visit carmelnewcomers.com.

Bicentennial exhibit — The Hamilton County Bicentennial Commission traveling exhibit will be in Carmel through Sept. 15 at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St.

Michael Beresford, superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools, speaks at the State of the Schools luncheon. (Photo by Ann Marie Shambaugh)

From left, Carmel High School seniors Claire Swathwood, Andrew Jones, Alex Gastineau, Will Simmonds and Anna Kindsfather run Carmel Hounds HQ. (Photo courtesy of Carmel Hounds HQ)

Carmel Hounds HQ supports athletes through social media

By Jeff Decker editorial@youarecurrent.com

The schedule and time commitment are relentless. But a group of Carmel High School seniors love what they do and take satisfaction in knowing they are bringing recognition to their fellow students and school.

what we do, but I genuinely don’t think any of us would want it any other way,” Kindsfather said. “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.”

SPORTS

In January 2022, the idea that would become Carmel Hounds HQ, a group of students who produce content for and manage 50 social media accounts about Carmel High School sports, was hatched. By February of that year, five students who are now seniors — Alex Gastineau, Andrew Jones, Anna Kindsfather, Will Simmonds and Claire Swathwood — had Carmel Hounds HQ up and running.

The group, now with 11 members, works with the school’s student-athletes, coaches and athletics department (in particular assistant athletics director Jeff Hester, who along with Simmonds came up with the idea) to write posts, take photos, produce graphics and videos, report results and monitor the comments on Carmel sports social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and TikTok to make sure they are safe and welcoming.

The task is time-consuming, but the objective is simple.

“It was started to give high school athletes social exposure and build a brand for Carmel athletics,” Simmonds said.

Unlike with daily or weekly publications, social media never stops. And with 23 varsity sports to cover, those in Carmel Hounds HQ must frequently check the accounts, monitor the input they are getting from each sports program and make updates on all platforms.

“We put a very large amount of time into

Because Carmel Hounds HQ is student-run, it has been given autonomy to establish its own protocol and guidelines.

“We do have an honor system with (the athletics department), where they trust that we know what is right and wrong to post and they give us the power to do what we want to do,” Swathwood said.

“Everything that is posted on the pages is produced by us,” Jones said. “We choose to do everything ourselves to ensure that our brand is consistent.”

Among the job’s challenges: Honoring the group’s motto, “make minor sports feel major,” by providing balanced coverage; monitoring the accounts for hateful comments and spam live stream links; and, as Gastineau put it, “getting this team set up for the future and teaching the next generation.”

Working on Carmel Hounds HQ will serve the seniors well after graduation. Kindsfather plans to major in sports media and minor in sports management in college. Simmonds intends to major in sports media and make it his career. Jones said he doesn’t plan on majoring in media in college, but he will continue to take photos and utilize the design skills he has developed. Gastineau will major in sports media at Indiana University and intern at the Mark Cuban Center for Sports Media and Technology. Swathwood will play golf for the University of Memphis and major in strategic media with a concentration in public relations.

“It’s an experience like no other,” Simmonds said of working on Carmel Hounds HQ. “It has led to multiple opportunities I never thought I’d have. It’s definitely a program I will never forget.”

COMMUNITY

Colts mascot removes the mask

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

It’s rare for a mascot to reveal his true identity inside a costume.

SPORTS

Trey Mock, whose alter ego is Blue of the Indianapolis Colts, often has a purpose for removing his mascot head during his high school shows.

“The basis for the show is, ‘I take off my mask, now you quit hiding behind your mask,’” he said. “When we stop hiding behind a mask and become transparent, we can have a connection. When we have a connection, we can choose love and not hate.”

The 42-year-old Westfield resident, who debuted as the character of Blue in 2006, is one of 14 full-time NFL mascots.

“Some people think it’s just 10 games, but we average 500 appearances a year,” Mock said.

The games are not the best part of his job.

“On hospital visits, you don’t know what a person young or old is dealing with, and to be able for five minutes to allow them to escape that and just have a moment of laughter, that’s the best part, for sure,” he said.

Mock, from Marietta, Ga., went to Auburn University to become an architect. When he saw Aubie the Tiger perform at freshman orientation at the football stadium, he was intrigued.

He eventually tried out and earned the role, which came with a scholarship.

After college, he spent a year as Freddie Falcon’s backup, expecting to take over the full-time job the next year. When Freddie

decided to stay, Mock left to become the Buffalo Bills’ mascot for a year.

Then he was among 58 people interested in becoming the Colts’ first mascot. The Colts narrowed it to 20 candidates, and then brought in the top five to audition. He borrowed a Freddie the Falcon costume to try out.

“To my knowledge, (Blue) is the only mascot in professional sports that was created by a person and not by the team,” Mock said. “The lure was to build the character and build it the right way.”

Mock said his plan is to remain Blue until he’s at least 50.

“I get paid to be a big kid,” he said. “When I feel like I’m slipping, I’ll hang it up.”

Mock and his wife, Alison, a former Colts cheerleader, met in 2006.

Read the full story at youarecurrent. com/?p=232204.

SPECIAL BOND WITH CARMEL RESIDENT

It started when Trey Mock was asked by a friend if Blue could visit Carmel resident Tyler Trent, a Purdue University student who had a rare bone cancer. Trent earned national attention as a Purdue superfan.

“When Trey came to our house as Blue to visit Tyler and ended up taking his mascot head off, I knew we were at the start of a special friendship,” said his mother, Kelly Trent. “He ended up staying a couple of hours that day. Tyler and Trey became fast friends.”

Mock was immediately impressed.

“I was blown away by how amazing and smart Tyler was and how passionate he

was about life,” Mock said.

Mock was invited by the family to join them when Tyler was named honorary captain for the Purdue football team in the game against Auburn in the Music City Bowl Dec. 26, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. Colts owner Jim Irsay sent the family and friends, including Mock, on a private plane.

Tyler died a few days later on Jan. 1, 2019, and Mock was asked to speak at the memorial service.

“It was a special and priceless season of Tyler’s life, in part to Trey, and truly, he became family to us,” Kelly said.

Trey Mock dressed as Blue with his children, from left, Tegan, and Gunnar and wife, Alison. (Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts)

Mock

Zionsville quarterback develops accuracy, pocket presence

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Zionsville Community High School senior Luke Murphy keeps growing as a quarterback.

“On the field, the thing I’ve improved on most is pocket presence,” Murphy said.

Murphy said his decision-making on when to stay in the pocket and when to run or get rid of the football has improved.

“(The improvement) comes both from his development in the offense, his willingness to take coaching and also his knack for making plays if things break down,” Eagles coach Scott Turnquist said. “He knows he can count on the guys around him to make plays for him as well.”

In the first three games, Murphy completed 73.3 percent (44 of 60) of his passes for 546 yards for the Eagles (2-1).

Turnquist said Murphy has embraced his role as a leader.

“His play has commanded the respect of

MEET LUKE MURPHY

Favorite athlete: Joe Burrow

Favorite subject:

Favorite TV show:

Favorite musician:

his teammates and he has developed vocally as well,” Turnquist said. “His teammates know they can count on him to give every thing he has to help the team be successful and they listen to his experience. He has continued to develop his understanding of the offense in all phases and is growing every day as a pocket passer.”

Last season, Murphy was the backup quarterback and played safety.

“I think his time last season at safety helped him develop his understanding of the

game overall and what defenses are doing, which helped a lot in his quarterback play as well,” Turnquist said.

Murphy said playing safety helped him learn to recognize different coverages.

As a junior backup to Christian Abney,

Murphy completed 40 percent of his 60 passes. As a sophomore, he started for part of the season when Abney was injured and completed 110 of 176 passes (62.5 percent) for 1,421 yards to help the Eagles reach the Class 5A state title game before losing to Cathedral.

“I think the time as a sophomore helped a great deal so that he knew what to expect from the high-quality opponents in our conference and what to expect week in and week out,” Turnquist said.

Murphy said he was understandably nervous as a sophomore.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” Murphy said. “I had a lot of talented players around me. We were able to have success and that has helped me a lot this year.”

Murphy said he is fortunate to have a talented group of receivers, including seniors Wrigley Bumgardner, Ryan Skura, Mason Riggins and junior Eugene Hilton, son of former Indianapolis Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton.

“We got our timing and chemistry down in the offseason and it’s helped a lot,” he said.

Murphy, who also is a catcher for ZCHS baseball team, said he would play football in college if he gets the right opportunity.

Zionsville Community High School senior Luke Murphy keeps developing his quarterbacking skills. (Photo courtesy of Tom Marron)

Murphy

Environmental resilience expert to speak

Commentary by Amanda Cross

The executive director of the IU Environmental Resilience Institute will speak at a seminar Sept. 14 at the Carmel Clay Public Library. Gabriel Filippelli will discuss the new book he and the ERI have released, “Climate Change and Resilience in Indiana and Beyond.”

The ERI has a mission to co-create environmental resilience and climate solutions by integrating research, education and community. In addition to being ERI executive director, Filippelli is a chancellor’s professor in the department of Earth Sciences at IU-Indianapolis.

As you can tell from the title, the book is very relevant to Hoosiers. Case in point, chapter 10, “Equitability, Health, and Resilience in the Face of Climate Change,” starts with a description of the very Monon Trail that runs through Indianapolis, Carmel and Westfield.

This book talks about many of the areas of climate concern that you’ve probably heard about — water systems, forests, wildlife, infrastructure and agriculture, among others. Each chapter tackles one of these topics and how we got to the place we are now. However, the book goes beyond that, too.

The operative word is resilience. Filippelli said, “resilience simply means being productively adaptive to whatever pressures are around us.” For example, the book reports how we now face more frequent and severe flooding. In this book and through their other work, the ERI talks about what the state, cities and individuals can do to adapt.

“We help lift communities up and help them find funding and resources to confront climate challenges they are facing every day,” Filippelli said.

The seminar will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Carmel Clay Public Library, 425 E. Main St. You can purchase a copy of the book during the event and have it autographed.

For more, visit CarmelGreen.org or contact Madelyn Zalon at mzalon@indy.rr.com or 317-459-2150.

Amanda Cross is a volunteer with the Carmel Green Initiative.

DISPATCHES

CHS Dance Marathon honored — The Carmel High School Dance Marathon won the Children’s Miracle Network national award for Best High School Dance Marathon. Throughout the year Carmel Dance Marathon hosts a variety of events such as Runway for Riley, a golf outing, Race for Riley and more that brings the community together to support Riley Hospital for Children. The efforts result ed in fundraising of more than $614,000, an increase of $104,000 in just one year.

CHS names softball coach — Stephanie Kleiner has been named as the Carmel High School softball coach, re placing Ginger Britton, who retired after the spring season. Kleiner has been involved with softball for more than 30 years. She earned all-conference and all-state honors as a pitcher and outfielder at Deerfield High School in Illinois. As a coach, Kleiner has worked with the Indiana Magic Gold and Indiana Dreams as well as serving as the University High School coach. Kleiner teaches third grade at Forest Dale Elemen tary in Carmel.

Ben’s Ranch receives Mega Grant — Carmel-based Ben’s Ranch Foundation has been awarded a $100,000 grant and a vehicle package worth $60,000 as part of Round Room Gives’ Mega Grant Presentation. Ben’s Ranch was selected as one of seven finalists for the Mega Grant. Other finalists were 100 Black Men, 91 Place, Coburn Place, Cocktails and Caregivers, Dream Alive and Trinity Haven. Each finalist received a $100,000 grant and vehicle package. Dream Alive took home an additional $580,000 as the Mega Grant winner.

Share what you love about Carmel – The Carmel Clay Historical Society and the Carmel Clay Public Library are partnering to celebrate Hamilton County’s bicentennial with a video compilation. Community members are needed to share on film what they love about Carmel. The video stories will be shared at the Carmel History Fair to be held at the library in November. Filming will take place in the library’s Digital Media Lab from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 12 and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 14. Learn more and register at CarmelClayLibrary.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

Roundabout Bike Ride

Sponsored by IU Health North Hospital

TUESDAY, SEPT. 19

Shop All Things Carmel in Midtown

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 20

Trivia and Giveaways at Gazebo Concert

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22

Wear Your Roundabout Shirt Day

Follow us on social media for more information, trivia and giveaways!

@cityofcarmelin

#nationalroundaboutsweek

#carmelroundabouts

SEPT. 1 6 , 2023

RIDE STARTS AND ENDS AT MIDTOWN (the full ride is in Carmel)

COST: $45 (for the 25 miles)

$65 (for the 50 miles)

Carmel.IN.gov

MILEAGE: 25 miles (capping at 100 riders) 50 miles (capping at 50 riders)

Kleiner

FESTIVAL-BOUND CLASSIC CARS ROLL THROUGH CARMEL

Dozens of classic cars rolled through Carmel Aug. 30 on their way to the annual Auburn Cord Dusenberg Festival in DeKalb County. The vehicles were on public display for a few hours at Carter Green. From left, Deborah Frankel, Steve Griffith and Carol Griffith of Carmel pause with an Auburn.

Cameron Peterson of Memphis with a 1935 851 Auburn limited

Fred Pratt of Auburn with a 1927 Auburn Cabriolet. Of the 500 vehicles of this model manufactured, this is the only one left, Pratt said.

From left, Jon Bowden and Warren Mockler of Carmel look at a classic car.

From left, Ryan Jernigan of Auburn shows his 1933 Auburn to Dan Campbell.

Richie Clyne of Carmel in a 1933 Duesenberg Town Car (Photos by Adam Seif)

Career Awareness is Bigger Than Workforce

By Mike Thibideau, President & CEO, Invest Hamilton County

According to federal studies and surveys, 20.9 million American adults consider themselves to be in recovery from substance use disorder, and 38.8 million consider themselves to be in recovery from a mental health issue. This recovery month Invest Hamilton County celebrates the people in our community who are working through, or have worked through, any type of struggle with mental health and/or substance use and are doing the work to live the best life they’re capable of living. We also want to recognize our business partners and the local Chambers of Commerce for all the great resources we’ve produced/curated together to help businesses looking to retain and support talent living with mental health challenges.

That “best life someone is capable of living,” or economic vitality as referenced in the Invest Hamilton County mission is foundationally intertwined with career awareness and exploration efforts. For both traditional and non-traditional job seekers identifying potential careers and opportunities can be challenging, but specifically for those individuals struggling with mental health concerns, and/or whose paths have been sidetracked by the impact of trauma, they often find themselves having painted the word “can’t” on the bricks paving their future path in life.

Fear is the primary opponent when encouraging someone to seize opportunity. A lack of belief or comfort in/with one’s own self can corrupt a great path forward long before a failed interview, job termination or real adverse event ever has the chance.

This is why when local employer partners ask me, “what is the

best things I can do for [insert population] in the community?” my most frequent answer is that they assist in career awareness and exploration efforts. Being a place where people can see what a job is like, have an internship, tour a floor, or even just meet with and ask questions of someone who does a job they’re potentially interested in, can have an outsized impact on helping a person remove many of the “cant’s” they’ve placed in their own path forward.

Throughout the next year Invest Hamilton County will continue expanding this type of work in multiple settings with traditional and non-traditional potential workers and youth within the community. While some of the employers who partner with us will hire people from these initiatives, we’ll look for many more to volunteer to just be a place that helps awaken dreams our most vulnerable populations’ need help visualizing.

Mike Thibideau serves as the President & CEO of the Hamilton County Economic Development Corporation (dba Invest Hamilton County). In this role Mike manages workforce development, talent attraction and quality of life initiatives throughout Hamilton County.

To learn more about Invest Hamilton County, scan the QR code. To register for the Mental Health First Aid class, visit our Events page.

Register for our last Mental Health First Aid Class

Hamilton Cunty Community Foundation Collaboration Hub

To learn more about Invest Hamilton County, scan the QR code.

The Carmel police and fire departments joined other local agencies Aug. 19 to present the annual Public Safety Day in the parking lot of office buildings at 116th and Meridian streets. The free event featured activities for all ages, including safety demonstrations, live performances and the opportunity to get a firsthand look at several types of vehicles.

Blaine Wilson of Carmel pets an IMPD horse.

Theodore Sargent of Carmel tries his hand at a fire hose with help from his mother, Melissa Sargent.

Former CFD Chief Jim Martin next to an antique fire truck from 1927. (Photos by Adam Seif)

Retired pastor’s book draws similarities between Luther, Trump

By Jeff Decker editorial@youarecurrent.com

One took on the establishment, utilized a blossoming medium to speak directly to disenfranchised people, often used language deemed uncouth, didn’t like to admit he might be wrong and frequently lashed out at rivals.

AUTHOR

The other — more of the same.

When Pastor Paul F. Swartz, who lives in Carmel, began working on a book about Martin Luther, the 16th-century German priest, theologian and author who butted heads with the Roman Catholic Church and became the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation, the story sounded familiar. He began drawing comparisons between Luther and Donald Trump, the 45th U.S. President and a candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election.

Swartz wrote about the similarities, first in an article for a theological journal and now a book, “Twin Populist Reform Warriors 500 Years Apart: Martin Luther & Donald Trump — Astonishing Similarities.” Published by Gatekeeper Press, the 648-page book is available from Amazon and other online vendors as well as select bookstores. It is Swartz’ first published book. He spent five years researching it and has included 1,374 footnotes to support his findings.

The book hits the market as Trump is the frontrunner among Republican presidential candidates but also faces multiple indictments. Swartz hopes the book helps people understand “how God not only chooses but uses His children as He wills and to recognize as human beings that Caesar does not need to be a saint.”

“(Luther and Trump) come with sharp tongues and at times foul mouths, which are part and parcel of who they are, and

OBITUARY

Gertrude Augusta Huster (nee Russell) of Carmel, Indiana, 63, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Gertrude was born April 5, 1960, in Leonardtown, Maryland, and she attended schools in Charles County, Maryland. She developed a deep appreciation for family values, a great work ethic and a strong moral compass.

She earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in statistics and math from Virginia Tech after receiving a scholarship for minorities (Women in STEM) with financial need. She also received a scholarship for her master’s degree in biostatistics from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Gertrude has “paid it forward” by funding two Legacy Gifts to support the education of women and minorities in STEM-related fields.

On October 18, 1986, Gertrude married William (Bill) J. Huster, Sr. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bryantown, Maryland. While raising five children, she worked in a variety of academic roles. She and Bill moved to Carmel in 1992 with their growing family. Gertrude was a kind and compassionate soul who put her faith and family first. She referred to herself as a “realistic optimist” and exuded positive energy. Her beautiful smile, grit and determination were infectious.

Gertrude loved to sing, coach and contribute to her community. For 28 years she served

in the music ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a cantor at the 8 a.m. Mass. She coached OLMC kickball and volleyball, opening each game with a prayer to St. Sebastian, the Patron Saint of Athletes, to encourage sportsmanship. She was a volunteer for several OLMC ministries. Because of her family history of breast and bone cancer, she served as a team captain for Carmel Relay for Life from 2011 to 2017.

Gertrude was predeceased by her father, James Lambert Russell, Sr., Lee Russell, Jessica Hinchy, and her grandparents. Gertrude is survived by her loving husband Bill; her devoted children, William Huster, Jr. (Sylvia), Nicholas Huster “Nick” (Diana), Kara, Sofia, Maria, her two grandchildren Gretchen and Heidi, and her large extended family.

Visitation for Gertrude was on June 10, 2023, at OLMC Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial and a celebration of Gertrude’s life. Gertrude’s urn is displayed in a niche at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gertrude’s name to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/. To learn more about her “wonderful life” or share memories or sympathy, go here: https://www. dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/carmel-in/ gertrude-huster-11325639.

quite honestly, I am not sure they would have been as effective without those ingredients that have contributed to their personas and work,” Swartz said.

Luther used the developing printing press to spread his beliefs, often speaking through illustrations to reach a largely uneducated population. When he refused to renounce his writings (the basis of Lutheranism), he was excommunicated by Pope Leo X. During his presidency, Trump utilized Twitter to bypass the mainstream media and had his account suspended.

Swartz draws other comparisons, includ-

ing the fortitude to “drain the swamp” (for Luther the Catholic Church, for Trump the Washington bureaucracy).

“Many leaders do not possess what it takes to set themselves against a ruling class or the establishment the way Luther and Trump have done,” Swartz said.

Swartz, 80, is a retired Lutheran pastor. He and his wife, Betty, have been married 58 years and have lived in Carmel since 1999. They are the parents of two children (a daughter and deceased son) and have two grandchildren.

OBITUARY

Doyle Champion — I’m writing my own obituary. Who knows me better than me? For those who care to read it. My story begins in 1930, before I was born during the Great Depression. My folks gave birth to a baby girl, a “Blue Baby”. Doctors told them the only chance she had to live would be to move to a high altitude. They packed up their old jalopy and headed for the high Rocky Mountains of Colorado. My Dad found work on a ranch. My sister Ora Mae died at 6 months.

My mother found that she was expecting again, and Troy Mannie and Mae Nannie Champion rushed back to West Texas so that Doyle Dwaine Champion, me, would be born March 16, 1932, on Texas soil. I grew up working on my Grandpa Coleman’s farm with one brother and three sisters in the days leading up to World War II. My Mother, Aunt, cousin, and me would hire out to area farmers to “chop the weeds out of growing cotton” for 10 hours a day. My pay was 10 cents an hour, that’s a dollar a day. I was 7 years old.

There were two Army Air Force bases nearby. We could look up and the sky would be full of military aircrafts on most days. We moved to the farm when I was 13. I finished High School at Ropesville, Texas and enrolled in Texas Tech College. That’s when I met Sylvia Lee Bennett, and I agreed to a blind date as a favor to a friend. Sylvia was 15, I was 18.

On January 5,1951, I enlisted in the US Air Force. The Korean War was heating up. I served 2 years in Texas and California and 2 years in Japan. On my return to the States, I met Sylvia again, she had grown up. We started dating, and I knew she was the girl for me. We were married March 24, 1956, at the Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock,

Texas. I started back to college again and worked full time while Sylvia was occupied birthing our 3 daughters and washing diapers. I earned a degree in Business Administration and started work for the Travelers Insurance Company in 1959 in their agency management program in Lubbock. In 1964 we transferred to Midland, Texas. In 1967 we were transferred to Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1969 we were transferred to Cincinnati Ohio. In May 1972 I resigned, and we got off the Travelers merry-go-round. We moved to Carmel, Indiana to accept a job as State General agent. In 1981 I accepted a position with American United Life as Director of Agencies in their home office and worked there until I retired in 1997.

After retirement, Sylvia and I traveled. We visited every state and 22 countries. When Sylvia was diagnosed with dementia in 2014, our traveling came to a halt. We stayed home and enjoyed our beautiful home and neighborhood. We were long time members of the Community Bible Fellowship Church in Westfield.

Throughout my life God has blessed me with a loving family, loyal friends, and quality business associates. I am looking forward to the Second Coming of Jesus my Lord.

I was predeceased by my wife Sylvia Lee off 66 years; our youngest daughter Freddi Jane Imel (Dennis); and my brother and three sisters.

I am survived by my daughters, Leesa Max Champion and Rossi Ann Champion; granddaughter, Allie Mae Weimer (Jacob); grandson, Scott Champion Imel; great granddaughter, Georgia Lee; and great grandson, Bennett Ray Weimer.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Swartz

ACCIDENTAL GENIUS

Traumatic brain injury allows Carmel man to see the world in mathematical art

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Getting mugged was life changing for Jason Padgett, although not in the way he expected.

Padgett, now a 52-year-old Carmel resident, was robbed by two men and hit on the head in 2002 while leaving a karaoke bar in Tacoma, Wash.

The traumatic injury altered how his brain works. Padgett, whose mathematical training culminated in a pre-algebra class, has acquired savant syndrome with mathematical synesthesia. He had been working at his parents’ futon store before the attack.

Padgett’s 2014 book, co-written with Maureen Ann Seaberg, is called “Struck by Genius: How a Brian Injury Made Me a Mathematical Marvel.”

The first thing Padgett noticed after the concussion is he had developed obsessive-compulsive disorder. Then his mind became overloaded with mathematical concepts he put into drawings.

“I met a physicist who said, ‘You need to go to school, because it looks like you’re doing high level mathematics, but you’re doing it with drawings and layman’s words,’” said Padgett, whose artwork can be found at Art on Main Gallery & Gifts in Carmel.

In Padgett’s mind, he was seeing equations but with different symbols for pi and others because he didn’t know the correct mathematical terms.

Padgett began taking mathematics classes at a community college.

“When I got to calculus, I was able to write the equation 100 percent, but I had to write it in the language that (the professors) are used to seeing,” he said. “Once I wrote it, and then I showed them step by step, this is how the drawing is made.”

Padgett said his artwork uses quantum information holography, which is a way to write computer code with bits of light on lattice.

He said a simple way to describe it is “information flow is equal to the way that light waves wiggle, which is equal to the way that space and time curve.”

Padgett makes his drawings in pencil with a ruler and a protractor.

“Every single angle on these drawings has to be put in the right place,” he said.

Padgett now looks at the violent attack as a gift. Brady Simmons, one of the men who attacked him, apologized to Padgett several years ago in a Facebook message.

“He’s totally turned his life around,” Padgett said. “He did an interview with a magazine and said they had been drinking too much and he had a drug problem. He was going through rough times, and they were behind me, and he said he liked my jacket. His friend said, ‘Let’s take it,’ and they attacked me from behind.”

They were finally arrested about 10 days later because of Padgett’s persistence, but the case was dismissed because the prosecutor lost the file, Padgett said.

Padgett said Simmons, a recovering sub-

stance abuser, now sits on a national board for at-risk youth.

Actor Channing Tatum and Sony Pictures originally held the option to Padgett’s story for a movie, but that changed after North Korea hacked into Sony Pictures in late 2014.

“The lady who did the deal with us was involved in the phishing scam that allowed North Korea to get into their computers,” Padgett said. “So Kim Jong Un has my book, my drawings and my Social Security number, even though he’s not using it. So she got fired and threw everything in a turmoil.”

The rights have been optioned now to Paper Pictures and the screenplay is finished.

“They have the right to dramatize my life and exaggerate it,” he said. “The contract

says they can (depict me) doing anything but commit a felony or do illegal drugs. Those are the only two things, so that’s a lot of leeway.”

For now, Padgett continues to work on art that depicts the geometrical patterns he sees in the world.

“This whole theory that I have is based on just how light encodes information and how you can use a circle and where that light crosses the circle to define velocity, acceleration, gravity and probability,” he said.

PERFECT PLACE

Jason Padgett developed a computer program to determine where he and his wife and two younger daughters, Jackie and Katie, should move. Padgett, who also has an adult daughter in Seattle, said the program determined Carmel was a perfect place to settle, so his family moved to the area 18 months ago.

He recently became a full-time artist at Art on Main Gallery and Gifts in the Carmel Arts & Design District. He said he likes working in the store to discuss how he does his drawings.

Padgett sells his drawings and does research. He used to display his drawings in his parents’ furniture store.

“People would wind up buying furniture because they enjoyed the drawings,” he said. “Then I thought, wouldn’t it be nice if I could talk about math all day and actually sell what I’m doing instead.”

Much of his artwork is sold after people see the documentary about Padgett.

“I have never met anyone like him — math and art intersect,” Art on Main co-owner Kim Greene said.

To view the documentary “The Acquired Savant,” view youtu. be/7H6doOmS-eM. For more, visit jason-padgett.pixels.com.

ON THE COVER: Jason Padgett displays his artwork ‘Origin Of Mass.’ (Photo by Adam Seif)

Jason Padgett with his wife, Elena, and daughters, Jackie, left, and Katie. (Photo courtesy of Jason Padgett)

A younger Jason Padgett with his mother, Toni Smith. (Photo courtesy of Jason Padgett)

‘Quantum Hand’ by Jason Padgett. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Jason Padgett explains drawings in his portfolio. (Photo by Adam Seif)

New board members selected

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

OneZone Chamber of Commerce recently announced the appointment of four new members to its board of directors.

ONEZONE

“These new members bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion to our organization, further strengthening our mission of helping businesses and communities thrive,” the announcement states.

The new members joining the Chamber of Commerce board are:

• Dr. Tom Koch of Beck’s Hybrids

• Mark LaBarr of Duke Energy

• Steve Nelson of Mr. Muffin’s Trains

• Mindi McMillan of

Fairgate Farms

“These individuals have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their respective fields and a shared commitment to fostering economic prosperity in the communities we serve,” the announcement states. “Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will ensure that the Chamber of Commerce continues to be a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.”

OneZone Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization serving the business communities of Carmel and Fishers since 2015, when the chambers from those two communities merged. OneZone recently partnered with Northern Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce, which maintains its own board of directors.

LaBarr Nelson McMillian Koch

Carmel man opens Mochinut

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

Carmel resident J.D. Zou has opened Mochinut in Fishers, which features an array of unique desserts.

RESTAURANT

Mochinut opened Aug. 18 at 11630 Olio Rd., Suite 105. The franchise is known for its signature mochi doughnuts, a fusion of American doughnuts and Japanese rice cakes known as mochi.

Bua Sisca, the new store’s manager, said the doughnut is crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside and not overly sweet.

“It’s really good,” Sisca said. “It’s not something you would expect. “

Mochinut comes in a variety of flavors, including strawberry cream, teddy graham cracker and chocolate brownie. The store rotates six flavors each week. Another of the store’s popular sweets is its mochi ball, Sisca said.

“It’s the same dough but filled with custard cream,” Sisca said. “Those flavors also change. Right now, we have green tea and Oreo.”

Mochinut also offers catering for busi-

nesses and events such as birthdays and weddings.

Zou owns the Fishers location and another store in Plainfield. He plans to expand to Greenwood next year.

“He saw that Fishers would be a great fit for Mochinut,” Sisca said. “It has a lot of young families and the city itself is continuing to grow.”

Mochinut opens daily at 10:30 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Weekly announcements of the store’s flavors are posted every Monday and can be found on the store’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

A Mochinut has opened a new franchise in Fishers at 11630 Olio Rd. Suite 105. (Photo courtesy of Mochinut)

Carmel’s Premier Retirement Community

Bootleggers Bash to benefit LLS

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

research. Hollie Hoy and Lory formed the Gatsby Gals and planned a bigger event.

“The following year we decided to do a benefit and rented out Ritz Charles,” Lory said. “We had between 75 and 100 people that came.”

FUNDRAISER

The Gatsby Gals have organized the annual Bootleggers Bash to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The event will be from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sept. 29 at the Biltwell Event Center, 950 S. White River Pkwy. Dr. West in Indianapolis. Guests can enjoy a night of dancing, dinner and drinks along with casino-themed games. The night will also include silent and live auctions.

Katie Lory, co-chair of the Gatsby Girls, said in 2013 Carmel residents Brett Hoy and his wife, Hollie, hosted a cornhole tournament in their backyard. Brett Hoy’s brother, Mike Hoy, had beaten non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.

Lory said the event was started on Mike Hoy’s behalf, raising $500 toward cancer

Since then, the Gatsby Gals have organized events each year. This will be the Bootleggers Bash for LLS’ 10-year anniversary. So far, they’re expecting close to 400 guests.

“We’re about halfway from our goal of 500 attendees,” Lory said. “We will max out at probably 600.”

Last year, the event raised $137,000, and this year’s goal is $200,000, according to Lory.

Ticket information is available at bootleggersbash.com.

The Bootleggers Bash for LLS is also seeking volunteers. For more, contact Lory at katielory10@gmail.com.

DISPATCHES

Doctor joins Riverview — Dr. Bryce Buente has joined Riverview Health at Westfield Medical. He enjoys helping patients with the management of chronic medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. He is trained in different procedures including joint injections, skin biopsies and more. Buente graduated from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. For more, visit riverview.org.

Caregiver Sip and Meet — Little Star ABA

Therapy will present a Sip and Meet for mothers and female caregivers of people with developmental disabilities from noon

to 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at The Rejoicing Vine, 8440 W. 82nd St. in Indianapolis. The event will include tastings, a tour of the winery and guided discussions. Cost is $25. Register at littlestaraba.org/for-families/ mom-and-female-caregiver-events.

Forté receives more walk-in visits — More patients are turning to Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a Carmel-based, physician-owned practice, for specialized walkin orthopedic urgent care. In the first half of 2023, Forté Fast Orthopedic Care clinics saw 52 percent more walk-in patients compared to the first six months of 2022. Forté Fast provides walk-in access for acute issues, such as broken bones, sprains, fractures and dislocations.

Anyone from 6-month-olds to seniors can get COVID protection with safe vaccines and boosters that are free whether you have insurance or not. Find an Eskenazi Health Center near you at EskenaziHealth.edu/FreeVaccines Please scan

A shot in the arm can take a load off your mind.

Buente

Modern tech eases fears

Commentary by Dr. Jeremy Ciano

“Eye exams make me nervous!”

Do you dread going to the eye doctor because you hate getting that puff of air blown in your eyes? Do you push back your annual eye examination because you don’t want to be dilated and have blurry vision for the rest of the day? Do you get nervous choosing between 1 and 2 and fear that you may be picking the wrong answer? We hear you loud and clear. Fortunately, most of these fears are now a thing of the past.

VISION

With modern technologies, a lot of those uncomfortable, poofy and debilitating portions of the eye exam are ancient history. With digital retinal scanners, most dilations and the accompanying blurry vision/light sensitivity can now be avoided. Of course, if there are serious problems, your eye doctor will insist on taking a deeper dive, but with the majority of screening evaluations, the dreaded dilation of your pupils are a thing of the past.

Same with the air puff! There are now handheld devices that can accurately and consistently measure your eye pressure without the puff of air. No more nervous anticipation. No more uncomfortable shots of air to the eye. Just a quick and gentle tap of the lower part of the eye and you are done. Quick, painless, accurate and easy.

One or two … You’ve heard the jokes — you’ve probably made the jokes. But why do we keep asking you these questions? Simply put, when your eye doctor is asking you to discern between two options, we are finding out where your best vision is. Here’s the best part: You can’t get it wrong! We ask over and over to ensure the prescription is accurate and consistent. So, relax. You did a great job!

Dr. Jeremy A. Ciano, an international lecturer and published author, is a Current Publishing columnist. For more information or to ask a question, he may be emailed at DrCiano@ Revolution-EYES.com.

Signs of gynecologic cancers

Commentary by Dr. Erin M. Lips

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, which is recognized every year as a chance to raise awareness. Two of these cancers are cervical and ovarian cancer.

PREVENTION

CERVICAL CANCER

Cervical cancer is a disease that is usually caused by infection with human papillomavirus, or HPV. Most precancerous changes and early cervical cancers do not cause symptoms, but they can be detected on routine health screening with Pap smears. Pap smears and HPV tests are performed during some pelvic exams. Guidance about frequency of Pap smears varies based on age and history of prior abnormal testing, so ask your doctor about how often you should have yours done. If the Pap smear results are abnormal, the next step is a colposcopy procedure done in the office. This involves a pelvic exam, looking at the cervix with a magnifying glass and taking several biopsies.

OVARIAN CANCER

There is no screening test yet for ovarian cancer, and unfortunately the symptoms

can be vague and may not occur until the cancer is in an advanced stage. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcomes. Symptoms can include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, constipation and increased urinary frequency. Usually, a pelvic exam is performed, and imaging is done with a pelvic ultrasound or a CT scan.

Ovarian cancer can look like small or large masses in the pelvis and abdomen but can also cause increased fluid inside the abdomen. Typically, the first step is surgery to remove the masses and several lymph nodes to obtain a diagnosis and stage. The next step depends on the type of ovarian cancer, but most are treated with chemotherapy. Most people with ovarian cancer or a close family relative with ovarian cancer should have genetic testing done to determine whether they or their family members are at risk.

For more, visit iuhealth.org and search “cervical cancer” or “ovarian cancer.”

Dr. Erin M. Lips is an OB/GYN at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel.

READERS’ VIEWS

Consider ranked-choice primary voting for less extreme candidates

Editor,

Every four years another presidential election rolls around, and it seems we always have to choose between two candidates we don’t like. Is there a way out of this mess? One approach is to use rankedchoice voting in our primary elections.

Our current voting system has a tendency to elect extremists. For example, suppose there are eight moderate candidates and one extreme candidate. If 20 percent of the voters support the extreme candidate, the remaining 80 percent of the votes are divided among the eight moderate candidates, giving each about 10 percent. So, the extreme candidate wins, even though most of the voters may strongly dislike him or her. With ranked-choice voting, this problem is less likely to occur, because voters can specify their second choice, third choice, etc.

Many people are not aware that there are several types of ranked-choice voting. The best known is “instant runoff.” But there is a better system called Borda count. In

Borda count voting, if there are nine candidates, your first choice gets nine votes, your second choice gets eight votes, your third choice gets seven votes, etc. This is simpler to understand than instant runoff and more reliable.

Everybody agrees that we need fair and dependable elections. Switching to rankedchoice voting could be a big step in that direction.

Brian Schmidt, Carmel

Proposed county tax plan essentially wealth transfer

Editor,

(Hamilton County Councilor) Brad Beaver has proposed Hamilton County raise its tax rate as the state reduces its tax rate. Why? To provide property tax relief to a relatively small number of “qualified” homeowners. Essentially this is wealth transfer — a concept pushed by socialists. Most homeowners in Fishers and Carmel will likely not see a property tax reduction but will see an income tax increase.

How about this proposal: Have the

Editor,

Isn’t Carmel suing the wrong defendants (over state law diverting local income tax to Fishers)? If the state legislature passed

taxing bodies in this county propose reasonable budgets (subjective, I know), determine the property tax rate, then apply that rate to our assessments. Manage by actual need.

With the current approach, taxing bodies get automatic pay raises without needing to justify them. Most people would probably like that plan for their personal finances.

Russ Beale, Fishers

the law, and the three listed defendants are obliged to follow the law, where’s their culpability?

John Donham, Carmel

– BRIAN SCHMIDT

Alternative ideas of Labor Day

Commentary by Terry Anker

predecessors.

Take the ‘Joy’ out of passwords

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

getting out.

ESSAY

Our summer months are nicely bookended by Memorial Day at the beginning of May and Labor Day wrapping it up with the arrival of September. The solar system would tilt the days a little later on each end, but we manage to get in our sunny days in the Northern Hemisphere, more or less, in this window.

Tradition would dictate that natty dressers only wear their whites in this period. The more relaxed among us might find the weekends the perfect time to bust out the open flames and host epic family barbeques. For many scores of others, these demarcations on the calendar signify the opening and closing of their cottage on the lake or camp in the woods. The balmy, long days bring us out into nature. It is good. We spend too much time indoors. Still, there are an increasingly precious few who use the days to memorialize those who have valiantly served our nation or recognize the labor contributions of our

By 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September a federal holiday to recognize the work of unions and their organizers. Private companies were exempted from the edict for decades, and some unions urged for local strikes where it was not voluntarily recognized. Interestingly, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that the number of people not working because of a labor dispute is at its highest level since 2003. Hollywood, baristas and auto workers are pushing for improvements to their positions. Picket lines, parades and protests may return as a central feature. Rampant inflation, pandemic emergencies and changing culture may cause it to signify more than just the end to summer.

Funny thing about grief

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Many longtime readers will remember that I lost my father to cancer in 2020. Yah. Like I needed another traumatic experience to handle that year. By the fall of 2022, however, I was far enough on the other side of grief to forget his deathiversary (copyright pending) entirely. “Why are my sisters so sad today?” But for whatever reason, his 2023 date hit me hard. Comically hard. You’re welcome.

HUMOR

I hadn’t slept well the night before (our black Lab is still in her cone and perpetually bouncing off walls) and the coffee was doing nothing to dispel my grumpiness. I turned on the TV to catch the F1 qualifying rounds (dumb Netflix has made me a junkie for hot guys in fire-retardant jumpsuits) and suddenly began crying. Dad had started watching it in the months before he died, and I have vivid memories of him trying to explain it to me. “Your only competition is your teammate!” It made no sense, just like my unexpected weeping.

Then I decided to practice yoga, but that also backfired. I felt increasingly vulnerable as I tried to slow my breathing and discover my inner chi and soon found myself sobbing in downward dog. Mindful meditation was namaste no-go.

I made it a tear trifecta later that morning in a Chick-fil-A drive-thru when I learned that Jimmy Buffett had passed. Dad was a latecomer to the smooth tunes of “Margaritaville,” but it was the soundtrack of our father-daughter road trip to Florida in 2019. “It’s been my pleasure to serve you, even with mascara running down your cheeks.”

Grief is funny sometimes, especially for me.

Peace out.

Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

My wife, Mary Ellen, is extremely concerned about identity theft and is urging me to change my passwords. Many of the words we create to log in are what a website might call “weak passwords.” I thought I used some pretty nifty ones in the past. For example, I once used Joy1959 for my ATM account. Joy was my girlfriend back in those days. I knew this was a very good password because even Joy didn’t know she was my girlfriend.

I tried putting in BOB, who’s my best friend, but they just hated that. The prompt said: You have to be kidding.

HUMOR

If it’s been a while since you changed your passwords, the sites will now give you specific directions:

• It shouldn’t be personal data.

• It shouldn’t be a pet’s name.

• It shouldn’t be a person’s name.

• It shouldn’t be a past address.

• And everyone knows you had a crush on Joy.

Then they warn: Be sure you remember your password. If you must write it down:

• Don’t write it on your wall.

• Don’t put it in a computer file.

• Don’t put it on a sticky note.

• Just memorize it, OK?

They don’t like old passwords, but I tried to revive JOY1959. It rejected it not only because it was weak, but because someone else was using it. I always suspected there was another guy back in those days. Now, I had the proof.

Then I tried my birthday. I got a prompt: Very weak, claiming it was too easy to figure out. I think I look younger than my age, so this really annoyed me. Also, no one has remembered my birthday in 40 years, so I wasn’t concerned about that information

No, I needed a strong password, so I put in HERCULES. It was rejected as weak. Then I tried SAMPSON. This time, very weak. I don’t think the people at this website have read their mythology. But it did answer the age-old question of who was stronger.

At one point, I just ran my fingers haphazardly across the keyboard.

Very strong, said the prompt, followed by, Please remember to write your new password down.  Write it down? I had no idea what I typed. Was it KKDFJHG%$, or was it YQWOKW?0&?

I finally found a password that was acceptable. It was deemed very strong. Then the website asked me a series of personal questions in case it ever needed to confirm my identity,

What was the name of your first girlfriend?: (Joy. Wait, now I’m thinking it was Judy).

Your best friend’s name: (It was Bob, but lately he has ticked me off).

A strong fictional character: (Wait, wait, don’t tell me -- Mighty Mouse).

Here’s my new password: J&U*HY*&^JG%^JOY. I’m giving it to you just in case I can’t remember it. Please put it in a safe place.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICIES

Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 300 words sent in a Microsoft Word document or in the body of an email. Letters may not be of a campaigning or advertising nature. Letters should be exclusive to Current Publishing. Unsigned letters and letters deemed to be of a libelous nature will not be published. Letter writers will be given once-monthly consideration for publication of submissions. Current Publishing reserves the right to end published audience debate on any topic. Current Publishing reserves the right to edit and shorten for space, grammar, style and spelling, and Current may refuse letters. Send submissions to letters@youarecurrent.com; letters sent to any other email address will not be reviewed. Letters must include the writer’s full name, hometown and daytime telephone number for verification purposes only.

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent. com.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

“No, I needed a strong password, so I put in HERCULES. It was rejected as weak. Then I tried SAMPSON. This time, very weak.”

– DICK WOLFSIE

“ I felt increasingly vulnerable as I tried to slow my breathing and discover my inner chi and soon found myself sobbing in downward dog. Mindful meditation was namaste no-go.”

– DANIELLE WILSON

Center Celebration funds education programs

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Center for the Performing Arts is renown for bringing a variety of entertainers to Carmel each year.

‘GRUMPY OLD MEN’

“Grumpy Old Men” runs through Oct. 1 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

FEINSTEIN’S CABARET

FUNDRAISER

Yet just as important to the Center’s mission is educational programming.

The Center Celebration, the Center for the Performing Arts annual gala fundraiser, is set to begin at 5 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Palladium. Headlining the gala is six-time Grammy Award winner Amy Grant.

Julia Shildmyer, the Center’s director of education and community engagement, said fundraising is vital to the programming.

“We keep our education program affordable and several of them are free to attend,” she said. “We couldn’t do that without the money that comes in from the gala. If we don’t have a sponsor for the program, then the money we raise from the gala goes to covering the cost of the education program. The education program in a nonprofit is never a big income generator. It really is mission-driven.”

Some of the educational programming includes Child & Adult Music classes.

“We have programs that range from babies all the way to the elderly,” Shildmyer said. “We had a gentleman a couple years ago who was 91 who participated in our Group Vocal Coaching class. It was a bucket list item to sing in public and he did that on World Voice Day.”

Shildmyer said the Center has different entry points into the performing arts from the novice, intermediate and advanced.

Among the novice ones are the Peanut Butter & Jam series, primarily for ages 1 to 7, and Beginner Ukulele.

Shildmyer said there are master classes for the advanced.

There also are programs for those who might want to have nonperforming roles. Some of the programs for adults include Intro to Stand-Up Comedy and Group Vocal Coaching.

Carmel resident Donna Skeens said she is delighted to be a part of the Palladium Bookies.

“I joined at the very beginning and look forward to our book discussions and making many new friendships,” she said. “All that is required is to read a book every other month and join the rest of the club in the West Lobby of the Palladium. Where else could I find such interesting people and a magnificent venue like that?”

Skeens enjoys the Luminaries program and said it might be one of the best-kept secrets in Carmel.

“This is a program in the early afternoon that meets bimonthly as well,” Skeens said. “Local musicians, artists, comedians and actors present programs that you might not see or hear anywhere else in the area. A $10 ticket certainly makes the events well worth your time.”

Westfield resident Maggie Adams and her 2 1/2-year-old daughter Kendall have participated for a year in the child and adult music classes, a five-week music and movement class for toddlers and adult caregivers offered a few times a year.

“She loves it. It’s one of our favorite activities that we do together,” Adams said.

“She has really blossomed in that class. When she first joined, she was really shy and actually cried the first time. Now, to see her just playing with all the instruments and showing a genuine love and

curiosity for music is incredible.”

Kelly Fischer’s son Noah, 22, is blind with autism and developmentally delayed. Fischer was the camp coordinator for the Prism Project at the Center, which was held in the summer of 2023 for the first time. The program involves taking people with disabilities and coordinating with performance arts instructors in dance, music and theater. Fischer said the participants create their own show.

“He’s been involved in Center programs since we moved back to Carmel in 2018,” said Fischer, a Carmel High School graduate. “I think everyone who goes to the Center goes for the wide variety of opportunities there and finds their own special connections. The thing I love is Noah finds more of the adult activities like concerts and the Group Vocal Coaching class to be not only enjoyable but he gets something out of it. But because of his unique disability, he also enjoys programs like Peanut Butter and Jam. When I first tentatively reached out if I could bring him, everyone was like, ‘that would be great.’ He was welcomed with open arms even though he is obviously much older physically than the average fan of that program.”

For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

Ann Hampton Callaway presents “Fever: A Peggy Lee Celebration!” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Melinda DeRocker and her Jazz Trio’s performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17. For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

‘TRUE TALES OF THE PARANORMAL’

Life with the “Afterlife: True Tales of the Paranormal” with Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni is set for 8 p.m. Sept 16 at The Tarkington at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

IWS names new music director

editorial@youarecurrent.com

The Indiana Wind Symphony has chosen Jay Gephart as its new music director to lead the group in the 202425 season.

Gephart is the second music director in the symphony’s 26-year history. He is a professor at Purdue University and serves as Al G. Wright Chair of Purdue Bands and Orchestras. He also is the director of the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band and the Purdue University Wind Ensemble, as well as the past president of the American Bandmasters Association and current chairman of the board of the John Philip Sousa Foundation. Gephart will replace music director and founder Charles Conrad, who will retire following the 2023-24 season.

For more, visit indianawindsymphony.org/ events.

The Peanut Butter & Jam series is one of the many educational programs the Center for the Performing Arts offers. (Photo courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts)

Register today for The O'Connor House Baby on the Way 5K

Sunday, October 22nd Race begins at

Singer well-suited for Feinstein’s

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Melinda DeRocker’s love of the Great American Songbook is rooted in her childhood.

DeRocker will sing some of the tunes from the 2013 album, “I’ll be Seeing You,” but with new arrangements.

Sponsored in part by:

CONCERT

“My parents influenced me strongly in this golden era of popular music in the U.S. because this was the music of their courtship and marriage right in the middle of World War II,” DeRocker said. “I really began to dive into it in the last year of my mother’s life about 12 years ago. I wanted to give her a gift for her last Christmas on Earth and decided to record some standards to give to her, and in doing that project I decided the next year to record a full album in 2013 and then began singing these tunes with a group of jazz musicians from New York City where I lived.

“It felt like I was just coming home musically, kind of full circle back to those teenage years when I would sing these songs with my mom.”

DeRocker will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at Feinstein’s in Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.

“I’m constantly trying fresh approaches to the songs from this iconic era of music,” DeRocker said. “I was singing many of these standards when I was a teenager with my mom at the piano and began back then to not only have an appreciation for this music but to see it as timeless for every generation to come in my show.”

DeRocker said she will share stories behind some of the songs and the composers who wrote them.

She will be accompanied by a jazz trio of Gregory Jones, bassist, Jeff Ciampa, guitarist, and Tom Jennings, pianist.

DeRocker said two of her favorites, Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and Hoagy Carmichael’s “The Nearness of You,” are always popular with the audience.

The performance will be DeRocker’s first at Feinstein’s.

DeRocker, who released a Christmas album in 2018, performed at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt in December 2022.

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com.

PorchFest marks 10th year

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Carmel PorchFest will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a bang.

MUSIC

The Carmel High School Drumline will kick off the Sept. 17 event at 11:45 a.m., marching down 1st Avenue NW to 6th Street NW in downtown Carmel. The free festival will feature 58 bands performing on 21 porches from noon to 6 p.m. Each set is 45 minutes. The area is only open to foot traffic during the event.

Two bands, The Failers and Circuit Thursday, will be honored with special awards for their 10th appearance at the event. Carmel PorchFest Executive Director Sondra Schwieterman said the bands will receive a Carmel PorchFest cooler stocked with beer.

The Failers will perform at 12:45 p.m. on Porch 13, and Circuit Thursday will play at 4:30 p.m. on Porch 15.

Food vendors include Arepas, Ice Cream Donuts and Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. Bier Brewery will have three locations. Peace Water Winery, Sugar Creek Winery and Pure Green Juice will also be on-site.

All Things Carmel will sell 10-year PorchFest T-shirts. Carmel PorchFest also will have a booth.

“We’re going to host a band hospitality tent, so the bands can network and meet one another,” Schwieterman said.

Feinstein’s will have VIP lounge tent for sponsors and donors.

Schwieterman said donations go toward the Carmel PorchFest grants to students ages 6-18 with musical aspirations. The grant application and other event information can be found at carmelporchfest.org.

The first PorchFest was started in Ithaca, N.Y. in 2007. Since then, several other cities in the U.S. and Canada started the music festival. Carmel became the first city in Indiana in 2014.

DeRocker

Circuit Thursday is appearing for the 10th time. (Photo courtesy of Beth Maier)

NIGHT & DAY

Beef & Boards 2024 schedule offers classics, movie musicals

editorial@youarecurrent.com

The word for Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s 2024 season is “Beautiful,” as the Carole King musical highlights a schedule of classics, popular movie-based musicals and a celebration of four of America’s greatest musical artists.

PERFORMANCES

VIP memberships for the 2024 season are now available, while 2024 season individual show tickets go on sale to the general public starting Oct. 1.

In January, Beef & Boards presents the humorous celebration of women and the change with “Menopause, The Musical,” running Jan. 5 through Feb. 4. Set in a department store, four women who seem to have little in common make fun of their hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges in a production that includes parodies from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

The inspiring true story of Carole King’s journey from teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” On stage for the first time at Beef & Boards, “Beautiful” follows the life of Carole Klein, a songwriter who wrote dozens of memorable hits for some of the biggest names in music before developing her own career as Carole King. Songs include “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “So Far Away,” “Take Good Care of My Baby,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “Natural Woman.” The Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical show is on stage Feb. 8 through March 30.

Returning to the Beef & Boards stage for the first time in more than 20 years is the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, “The King and I,” which runs April 4 through May 19. Based on the novel “Anna and the King of Siam” by Margaret Landon and winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, “The King and I” is the story of the unlikely friendship that emerges between Anna, a widow from England, and the King of Siam when she arrives to teach his many children and wives. Famous songs include “Getting to Know You,” “I Whistle A Happy Tune,” “Something Wonderful” and “Shall We Dance.”

The Beef & Boards’ 2024 Family Show’s “The Wizard of Oz” runs May 23 to July 7.

Dorothy Gale discovers friendships and

adventure along the Yellow Brick Road and ultimately learns the valuable lesson “there’s no place like home.” “The Wizard of Oz” features $10 discounts off tickets for all children ages 3-15.

Beef & Boards goes blonde for the summer with “Legally Blonde the Musical,” running July 11 through Aug. 25. After being dumped by her boyfriend for someone “serious,” Delta Nu sorority president Elle Woods drops the credit cards and hits the books to win him back.

The true story of the spectacular night when four stars aligned in Memphis, Tenn., is celebrated with the musical “Million Dollar Quartet,” set for Aug. 29 through Oct. 6. On Dec. 4, 1956, an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever.

One of musical theater’s most beloved musicals, “Fiddler on the Roof,” returns to the Beef & Boards stage from Oct. 10 through Nov. 24. Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. Nostalgic songs include “Tradition,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.”

On stage for the holidays is the movie-turned-musical “A Christmas Story,” set from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31. Young Ralphie Parker lives in a fictional Indiana town and is on a quest to obtain his most desired Christmas gift, a Red Ryder BB gun.  For more, visit beefandboards.com.

LYRICS BY CHAD BEGUELIN

MUSIC BY MATTHEW SKLAR

BOOK BY BOB MARTIN & CHAD BEGUELIN

BASED ON AN ORIGINAL CONCEPT BY JACK VIERTEL

Beef & Boards will present “Legally Blonde The Musical” in the summer of 2024. (Photo courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre).

Sites explore Wright brothers’ pre-aviation history in Dayton

Commentary by Don Knebel

Today, in our continuing visits to sites within easy driving distance of Indianapolis, we come to Dayton, Ohio, where we learn more about the Wright brothers.

TRAVEL

In 1884, Wilbur and Orville Wright moved with their parents back to Dayton, Ohio. Wilbur had just left high school in Richmond without receiving a diploma. In 1889, Orville dropped out of high school after his junior year and opened a printing business in Dayton, using a printer he had built. Wilbur soon joined the business, which printed, among many other things, the Dayton Tattler, a weekly newspaper published by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, a renowned local African American poet.

In 1892, the brothers opened what became known as the Wright Cycle Co., repairing and selling bicycles. Four years later, they began selling their own model that included improved brakes. They named the model Van Cleve in honor of their great, great grandmother, the first white woman to settle in the Dayton area. The bicycle business was soon earning about $3,000 a year, which the brothers used to finance their growing interest in flying machines.

In 1899, Wilbur wrote a letter to the Smithsonian Institution on Wright Cycle Co., letterhead, successfully seeking all the materials it had on flight.

Today, a number of sites in and around Dayton remember the Wright brothers’ early activities, many now run by the National

Park Service as the Dayton Aviation National Historical Park. The park includes a bicycle shop where the brothers fixed and built bicycles. On the same street is the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center, which includes items related both to Wilbur and Orville Wright and to Paul Dunbar. On the second floor is the recreated Wright & Wright Job Printers, featuring some of the equipment the brothers owned and used. Next week, we will visit other Dayton sites related to the Wright brothers.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY OF CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER Docket No. PZ-2023-00204 V

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL PLAN COMMISSION

Docket Number: PZ-2023-00192 DP Amend/ADLS Amend: Driven Neuro Recovery Center

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Plan Commission meeting on October 17, 2023 at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Square, 2nd Floor, Carmel, Indiana 46032, will hold a Public Hearing on a DP Amendment/ADLS Amendment in order for the petitioner to seek site plan and design approval to redevelop the site for a new clinical medical use.

The application is identified as PZ-2023-00192 DP Amend/ADLS Amend: Driven Neuro Recovery Center.

The real estate affected by this application is described as follows: Tax ID parcel numbers 17-13-1200-00-007.002 and 17-13-12-00-00-007.102. The site is located at 1300 East 96th Street, the former Five Seasons Family Sports Club. It is zoned PUD (Five Seasons Z-619-16) and is not within any overlay district.

The file for this proposal may be viewed Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM in the office of the Department of Community Services, 1 Civic Square, 3rd Floor, Carmel, IN 46032. The materials may also be examined on the City’s website, at the Public Documents page via Laserfiche.

Any written comments to the proposal should also be filed with the Secretary of the Plan Commission not later than 12:00 PM on October 17, 2023, the date of the Public Hearing or at the hearing. All written comments will be presented to the Commission. Any oral comments concerning the proposal will be heard by the Commission at the hearing according to its Rules of Procedure.

Joe Shestak, Administrator

Carmel Plan Commission

317-571-2417

Petitioner Name: Corporex Development & Construction Management, LLC

by Andrew B. Buroker, Senior Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

600 E. 96th Street, Suite 600

Indianapolis, IN 46240

Phone: (317) 569-9600

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer will conduct a meeting on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at the Carmel City Hall, Council Chambers, 2nd Floor Caucus Room, One Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, to hold a Public Hearing regarding an application identified by Docket Number PZ-2023-00204 (“Request”). The property that is the subject of the Request is located at 482 Almond Creek Drive, Carmel, IN (Jackson’s Grant on Williams Creek Subdivision, Section 7, Lot 333) and per the Office of the Auditor of Hamilton County, Indiana, has a Tax Parcel Identification Number of 17-09-34-00-00-010.001 (collectively, the “Real Estate”).

The Real Estate is zoned per the Silvera PUD, Ordinance No. Z-553-11, including any applicable amendments thereto, including Ordinance No. Z-652-20, the Estates/Northvale planning area and the Applicant is seeking the below described development standards variance in order to construct a custom residential home on the Real Estate.

1. Silvera PUD, Section 6.1, Exhibit “L” Maximum Parcel Coverage – Maximum 35% lot coverage allowed; requesting 42% lot coverage.

The Petition may be examined at the Carmel City Hall or via the City’s website, through Public Documents – Laser Fische.

All interested persons desiring to present their views on the proposal, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. Written comments filed with the Department of Community Services prior to or at the Public Hearing will be considered, and oral comments will be heard at the Public Hearing. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time as may be found necessary.

CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA

Joe Shestak, Secretary, City of Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer

Carmel City Hall One Civic Square

Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: (317) 571-2417

Email: jshestak@carmel.in.gov

ATTORNEY FOR APPLICANT WEDGWEOOD BUILDING COMPANY, LLC

Jim Shinaver, Attorney

Jon Dobosiewicz, Professional Land Planner

Nelson & Frankenberger, LLC

550 Congressional Blvd., Suite 210

Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: (317) 844-0106

Inside the Wright brothers’ bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio.

Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center in Dayton. (Photos by Don Knebel)

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL Board of Zoning Appeals

Docket Number: PZ-2023-00199 V

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on September 27, 2023 at 5:30pm in the Carmel City Hall, 1 Civic Square, 2nd Flr Caucus Rooms, Carmel, Indiana 46032 will hold a Public Hearing upon a/an September 27, 2023 in order to: Gain approval for an Entryway Feature location in street right of way. Location in ROW requested at Freeland Way & W. Smoky Row intersection. The site is located at 525 North End Dr. (closer to 0 Freeland Way). It is zoned UR/ Urban Residential.

The application is identified as Docket Nos.

Variance: PZ-2023-00199 V

Development Standard Variances: UDO Sections 7.11.E.4 & 7.12.E.4

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: (Insert Legal Description -orTax ID parcel number(s))

17-09-24-00-06-067.000

All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place.

Petitioner: Wendy Creech, Old Town Companies, LLC

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY OF CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2023-00128SE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at the Carmel City Hall Caucus Rooms, 2nd Floor, 1 Civic Square, Carmel, IN 46032, to hold a Public Hearing upon a Special Exception application to: Seeking special exemption approval for a short term residental rental use.

On the property being known as: 11869 Gray Rd., Carmel, IN 46033

The application is identified as PZ-202300128SE.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: 17-10-33-00-00-024.00

The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Document - Laserfiche.

All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be hear at the above-mentioned time and place.

Aaron & Lidiya Kusel H&W Petitioners

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

City of Carmel, Indiana

Department Board of Public Works and Safety

One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032

Project: 116th Street Multi-Use Path from Michigan Road to Towne Road

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana will receive sealed bids for the above described “Project” at the office of the Clerk, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana (City Hall) until 10:00 a.m. EST on October 4th, 2023 and, commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date, such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.

All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana. The bid envelope must be sealed and have the words “BID – 116TH STREET MULTI-USE PATH FROM MICHIGAN ROAD TO TOWNE ROAD”

A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish a performance bond, and begin work without delay in the event the award is made to him.

The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

Construction of a 10’ wide HMA multi-use path along the north side of 116th Street from Michigan Road to 0.42 miles west of Shelborne Road and the south side of 116th Street from 0.36 miles east of Shelborne Road to Towne Road, including HMA pavement, drainage improvements, and pavement markings.

Contract Documents for the Project have been assembled into one bound project manual, which together with drawings, may be examined at the following locations: City of Carmel Department of Engineering - 1st Floor One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 571-2441

Copies of such drawings and project manuals must be obtained from Reprographix (Reprographix.com). Payments and costs of Contract Documents are non-refundable.

Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents.

This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel.

A pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on September 27th, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. in the Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall (One Civic Square). All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is not mandatory. A virtual meeting option will be offered, please e-mail Jayson Earleywine at jearleywine@eticagroup.com to obtain the virtual meeting invite.

For special accommodations needed by handicapped individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the city of Carmel, Engineer ’s Office, at (317) 571-2441 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.

No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2.

Sue Wolfgang Clerk

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

Docket No. PZ-2023-00194V, PZ-2023-00195V, and PZ-2023-00196V

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on the 27th day of September, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Civic Sq., 2nd Flr., Carmel, IN 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Development Standards Variance application to:

1) UDO Section 5.39 H.2.a - allow for 2 signs facing Rangeline Road (west), 1 sign facing west permitted;

1) UDO Section 5.39 H.5.b.ii - allow for a ground sign to be located with a zero foot setback from Rangeline Road, 5 foot setback required; and

1) UDO Section 5.30 - allow for 14 on-site parking spaces; 20 on-site parking spaces required. With the property begin known as 1361 South Rangeline Road.

The application is identified as Docket Nos. PZ-2023-00194V, PZ-2023-00195V, and PZ-2023-00196V

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows:

Part of Section 31, Township 18 North, Range 4 East, Hamilton County, Indiana, more particularly described as follows:

Beginning at a point on the West line of said Section, distance 685 feet measured North 01 degree 04 minutes 45 seconds West along said West line from the Southwest corner thereof; running thence North 01 degree 04 minutes 45 seconds West and along the West line of said Section 378 feet; thence North 89 degrees 55 minutes East 250 feet; thence South 01 degree 04 minutes 45 seconds East 378 feet; thence South 89 degrees 55 minutes West 250 feet to the point of beginning. Except therefrom: Beginning at a point on the West line of said Section, distant 685 feet measured North 01 degree 04 minutes 45 seconds West along said West line from the Southwest comer thereof, running thence North 01 degrees 04 minutes 45 seconds West and along the West line of said Section 278 feet; thence North 89 degrees 55 minutes East 250 feet; thence South 01 degrees 04 minutes 45 seconds East 278 feet; thence South 89 degrees 55 minutes West 250 feet to the Point of Beginning.

The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.

All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.

TM CROWLEY & ASSOCIATES PETITIONERS

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

City of Carmel, Indiana

Department Board of Public Works and Safety

One Civic Square City of Carmel, Indiana 46032

Project: 96th Street Tree Clearing

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Carmel, Hamilton County, Indiana will receive sealed bids for the above described “Project” at the office of the Clerk, One Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana (City Hall) until 9:45 a.m. EST on October 4, 2023 and, commencing as soon as practicable thereafter on the same date, such bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Chambers of City Hall. No late bids will be accepted.

All bids and proposals shall be properly and completely executed on the proposal forms provided with the plans and specifications, which will include the non-collusion affidavit as required by the State of Indiana. The bid envelope must be sealed and have the words “BID – 96th Street Tree Clearing”

A bid bond or certified check in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond will also be required of the successful bidder. It is intended that actual construction of all work divisions shall be started as soon as practicable, and each bidder shall be prepared to enter promptly into a construction contract, furnish a performance bond, and begin work without delay in the event the award is made to him.

The Project consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:

Clearing Trees along the North Side of 96th Street Roughly Between Ditch Road and Spring Mill Road Contract Documents for the Project have been assembled into one bound project manual, which together with drawings, may be examined at the following locations:

City of Carmel

Department of Engineering - 1st Floor One Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032 (317) 571-2441

Copies of such drawings and project manuals must be obtained from Reprographix (Reprographix.com). Payments and costs of Contract Documents are non-refundable.

Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of drawings and Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of drawings and Contract Documents.

This Project will be funded by the City of Carmel.

A pre-bid conference for discussions of the Project, the bidding requirements and other important matters will be held on September 20, 1:00 PM in the Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall (One Civic Square). All prospective bidders are invited to attend the pre-bid conference. The pre-bid conference is not mandatory. Email cogg@carmel.in.gov for a virtual meeting invitation.

For special accommodations needed by handicapped individuals planning to attend the pre-bid conference or public bid opening meeting, please call or notify the city of Carmel, Engineer ’s Office, at (317) 571-2441 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior thereto.

No bidder may withdraw any bid or proposal within a period of thirty (30) days following the date set for receiving bids or proposals. The Carmel Board of Public Works and Safety reserves the right to hold any or all bids or proposals for a period of not more than thirty (30) days and said bids or proposal shall remain in full force and effect during said period. The City of Carmel reserves the right to reject and/or cancel any and all bids, solicitations and/or offers in whole or in part as specified in the solicitations when it is not in the best interests of the governmental body as determined by the purchasing agency in accordance with IC 5-22-18-2

Sue Wolfgang Clerk

34. Local Catholic high school

37. WTTV military drama

40. “Milk’s favorite cookie,” according to ads

41. Wild hogs

45. Duke Energy unit

46. Eiteljorg Museum Western tribesman

47. Picturesque

23. Go one better

24. Cold War inits.

27. Chest muscles, briefly

31. Destroy documents

32. Big shoes to fill

33. ___ gin fizz

35. Dog in Oz

36. Preschool basics

37. Slangy refusal

38. Local Catholic high school

39. Overstayed one’s welcome, say 42. Ticked off 43. Local Catholic high school

44. Cold Stone Creamery ice cream serving 46. Website ID 47. R-V link 50. Wrap up by 51. Kremlin denials

54. Indiana House creations

48. Tube top?

49. Rats and mice

52. Pontiac muscle car

53. Coral island

55. Spike Lee’s alma mater, for short

56. Governor Holcomb’s rejection

57. Flight suit letters

58. Indiana Senate staffer 60. ___ throat

61. Sketched 62. Winter wear

63. Hamilton County Court jury member

64. Hoosier Park figures

65. Severs

66. Part of Q&A Down

1. Keep company

2. They may be fine or liberal

3. ___ Plaines, Ill.

4. “Get lost!”

5. Civil rights org.

6. Chapel Hill sch.

7. “Wow!”

8. Crackers Comedy Club bit

9. Still on the plate 10. Local Catholic high school

11. Camper’s spike

12. Local Catholic high school 15. Pond growth 19. Dirt + water

20. GPS suggestion

22. Explorer of kids’ TV

on

Indiana House Speaker

56. Powerful auto engine 58. Notre Dame’s athletic conf.

59. Debtor’s initials 60. Massage Envy, e.g. Answers on Page 35

WE DO CONTACTLESS EXTERIOR ESTIMATES

ARMESON LECTRIC LLC

Brian Harmeson

(317)414-9146

Owner/Master Electrician bharmeson@harmesonelectric.com

Locally owned and operated in Hamilton County

Licensed-Bonded-Insured/Residential-Commercial

Carmel, Fishers, Geist, Noblesville, West eld, Zionsville

Contemporary Residential & Commercial

Locally owned/operated over 42 YRS

•

TIRED

•

•

•

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WILL MOW LAWNS WILL DO BOBCAT WORK

Trim/Remove

Saxophonist Erick Oneal Fisher

MUSICIAN WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Weddings • Cocktail hour • Birthday parties

Concerts • Festivals • Business Events, and more For booking contact erickonealfisher@gmail.com

YouTube: Erick Oneal Fisher

Facebook: Erick Oneal Fisher Saxophonist

317-491-3491

Text or Call Jay 574-398-2135 shidelerjay@gmail.com

C&H

GROUNDHOG

Remove tree stumps, ugly tree roots, stumps in and around chain link or wood fences. We also remove tree stumps that are protruding up onto sidewalks and around sidewalks. We grind them and/or remove. Please Call & Text at 816-778-4690.

GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE Hoosier Village RC Sept 14, 15, & 16th

Now Accepting New Online or In Person Students! (age 4-retiree) drwengstudio@gmail.com

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment. The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net. We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays. To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net 40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

NOW HIRING

Teacher Aid for Carmel Area Preschool 9 months, 5 days, 8am-2pm. Observes Carmel School Holidays. Text or Call 317-414-4458.

NOW HIRING

Osteria, the restaurant at Market District-Carmel, has immediate openings for part-time servers, bartenders, hosts and a dishwasher. Some weekends, days and nights.

Competitive pay as well as great benefits, vacation, health insurance, 401(k) and discounts. Please apply at OsteriaCarmel.com or call 317-689-6330 between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. EOE.

CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR

FULL TIME

Fishers area church seeks an experienced person who has servant/leadership qualities, proven organizational skills, and the ability to be open and flexible. This role is a great fit for a flexible, organizational thinker who is self-motivated and can function in a team setting that requires trust, oversight and motivational skills.

Oversight of these areas: Financial, Personnel, Property Management, Daily operations, Policies & Procedures.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with demonstrated high performance. 3-5 years with supervisory experience Interested persons email resume to mainoffice@christthesavior.org. Job summary, job description and application available at christthesavior.org

DR. WENG PIANO STUDIO

Boarding/Daycare for Small & Medium Dogs at My Home in Carmel! Susan 317-432-1627 pawptrl@aol.com

Fenced Yard

24 Years Experience

Luv the dogs

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Locations: ELKHART, FRANKLIN, INDIANAPOLIS, KOKOMO, PLAINFIELD, SEYMOUR; Things: BENCH, CHAIR, SADDLE, SOFA, STOOL; Pieces: BREAST, DRUMSTICK, THIGH, WING; Crops: CORN, SOYBEANS, WHEAT; Cars: BUGATTI, ROLLS-ROYCE; Speaker: TODD HUSTON